I
don’t think there are any social media platforms or services that don’t have some
type of format where people can offer comments, ratings, or feedback. In
particular, I seem to marvel mostly at the platforms that give the public
opportunities to add comments to news stories, pictures, or a response to a “post”
someone writes.
No
matter what the topic or subject matter I choose, it never fails that many of
the responses can get quite vulgar, insensitive, obscene and downright
heartless. Those very responses, themselves, generate their own responses from people who are angered, offended,
or “triggered” by what has been written. What it generates is a near endless
cycle of bantering back and forth as to who can “out-degrade” each other with
the most well crafted slander.
The
comments that disappoint me the most are those who invoke their Christian faith
or refer to some form of a Biblical passage. Although their intentions to help
(and correct) are commendable, I must say it does nothing more than stir up
even more trouble. In fact, it could be in violation of the wise words found in
the book of Proverbs.
Proverbs 9:7, “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever
rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.” These are powerful words to encourage us
to resist the urge to argue, debate, and “comment” on someone’s “post” that has
touched a nerve or has made a statement that is inflammatory or has really
upset us.
The
key word is to know the concept behind the word “mocker” in this passage. In some translations, the word “scorner” is used. A “mocker” or "scoffer" is any person
who adamantly refuses to live by any wise or moral teachings and is not content
to let others “get away” with living this way or to be able to openly express those
values.
These
are people who simply will not conform or respond to any form of correction.
They really could care less about what is true and just. It is their beliefs and
nothing will change that attribute. They despise morality and ignore any
faith-based message because of their obstinate arrogance and foolishness to
live the way they feel.
The
definition of “to scoff” means “an outward expression of contempt
through derisive words, gestures or acts.” Their goal isn’t to understand,
learn and change, but to stand their ground in defiance to silence opposition.
They will do this by all means necessary and at any cost. The goal is to be as
toxic as possible to shut down those who oppose them.
This
is why the writer of Proverbs tells us to avoid
engaging with them in the first place. If we make it our business to “correct”
or “rebuke” a scoffer, then we are doing nothing more than asking for trouble.
You will hear from them and probably more than once. They will come after you.
They will pursue you. They will harass you. Perhaps sue you.
Words
such as “insults,” “hatred,” and “abuse” are associated with scoffers because
these outward expressions are second-nature to such people. It profits nothing
to comment on their Facebook posts or to try having a conversation with them.
They are contentious in nature and simply want to fight and destroy. Don’t take the bait.
Let
us take the wisdom of Proverbs 9:7
and allow the Holy Spirit to give us discernment when provoked or made upset by
what someone post on-line or in a comment thread. May we exhibit self-control
which is one of the fruits of the Spirit. Ecclesiastes
7:9, “Do not be quickly provoked in
your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.” Most of all, 1 Corinthians 13:5, tells us that love “is not rude…it is not easily provoked.” Let
us build on these truths and guard our responses towards those who “scoff.”